Build Muscle for Longevity: Why Lean Mass is the Key to Lasting Health
:
There’s a lot of buzz about longevity and health lately, but let’s cut through the noise and get to the heart of what truly matters: muscles. Yes, muscles. It’s not about obsessing over body fat or chasing the lowest possible number on the scale. What truly dictates health, resilience, and the quality of life over time is the amount of lean muscle mass you carry.
Here’s the thing: You can shed fat all you want (and hey, that’s a valid goal if it supports your well-being). But for real, lasting health that can withstand the test of time, you have to build muscle. Muscles don’t just look good; they are functional powerhouses. And once you understand how fundamental they are, you’ll be running—not walking—to the weight room.
Why Muscle Is So Important
Your brain and body have an unbreakable partnership. Your brain tells your muscles to move your bones so you can live your life—everything from picking up groceries to sprinting after your dog at the park. And the benefits of having strong, well-functioning muscles don’t stop there. Let’s break it down.
- Metabolic Health Here’s a game-changer: Muscles burn more calories at rest than fat. Yes, that means you’re torching more calories just by having more lean mass, even while binge-watching your favorite show. This isn’t just about aesthetics—this metabolic boost has a domino effect on your health, improving everything from weight management to overall energy levels.
- Blood Sugar Regulation Muscles act like a sponge for glucose. When you use them, they help draw sugar out of the bloodstream and use it as fuel, reducing blood sugar spikes and lowering your risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Your muscles are literally protecting you from metabolic diseases.
- Joint Health and Reduced Inflammation As we age, joint health becomes more and more critical. Strong muscles stabilize and support the joints, reducing wear and tear. They also help reduce systemic inflammation, which is a massive contributor to aging and chronic disease. So, if you want to keep moving well into your later years, keep those muscles strong and healthy.
- Immunity Support Your muscles actually play a role in housing and supporting your immune system. Think of your lean mass as a reservoir that can help your body fight off illness. When you’re sick, your body may draw essential nutrients from your muscles to support immune responses. In this way, maintaining muscle mass can be the difference between a mild cold and a long, miserable illness.
- Cortisol Regulation Cortisol, the stress hormone, becomes a bigger concern as we age—especially during peri-menopause and menopause. High levels of cortisol can lead to all sorts of health issues, from increased belly fat to trouble sleeping. But muscles come to the rescue yet again. Resistance training helps regulate cortisol levels, keeping your stress in check and your mood lifted.
Take Action: Lift Heavy Things
If you want to invest in your future self, go find something heavy to lift. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t need to spend hours in the gym to make a huge difference. Start small if you’re new to strength training, and build from there. Just know that every rep, every set, is an investment in the course of the rest of your life.
A Final Note from Elevate
We’re all about honoring the body, this incredible vessel that houses our soul. Taking care of it is more than just a workout—it’s a holy act. Strength training isn’t just about physical benefits; it’s about embracing the gift of movement, resilience, and health.
As we say at Elevate: “It’s a holy act, to care for the vessel that houses the soul.”
